Don’t say there wasn’t any drama in Harrison Barnes’ letter of intent press conference. After thanking his supporters, the SLAM diarist got down to the business every media outlet within 100 miles came to capture: “The coach for whom I will play next year will be… the coach that I’m about to Skype.”
Barnes got up, amidst heightened and anxious cheers and moved over to a black MacBook sitting atop a podium. The computer gurgled Skype’s intro and the entire North Carolina team appeared live on a theater projector screen. For the first time in history, Ames HS had big-time college basketball in its relatively tiny gym.
When it came down to it, the SLAM high school diarist had his choice of the best schools in the nation. Sure, there was the talk about Kansas, Oklahoma and possibly UCLA or Iowa State. In the end, though, it came down to the behemoths: UNC or Duke.
Harrison not only fits-in at UNC, he’s going to thrive. With his all-around game (think Antawn Jamison) and extreme IQ (honors student), Harrison could become that piece that gives the Tar Heels the edge above all others next season.
Today, Harrison Barnes made it official: Skype has officially taken over the recruiting world.
